I was intrigued by the concept of this book – a story about the unlikely friendship between these two talented women who were underestimated by the men in their lives. They were both determined to gain professional independence and personal freedom at a time when women were expected to submit to men.

How magical that authors Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight collaborated to write about this little-known friendship between two famous women. Knight explains how “there is not much written about the friendship between Ella and Marilyn, but given what we do know, it is indisputable that they were close. With this novel we hope to shed light on what a friendship between them could have been.”

I’m a big fan of friendship stories, and I appreciated that this relationship was portrayed realistically. In some ways Ella and Marilyn were very different, but in other ways they had a lot in common. It was their commonalities that strengthened their connection over the ten years of their friendship and was at the heart of the book.

And this book also took care to describe the racist and sexist attitudes that were rampant in the 1950s and 1960s. I admired the way the authors included so many cultural issues of the time –music, clothes, movies, celebrities – also naming the various lipstick brands Marilyn used.

Even before I read this poignant novel, I knew the story of Marilyn Monroe, and it’s not a happy one. It’s well-known that she had a sad life, and though she tried to overcome her childhood abuse and neglect, her low self-esteem and poor choice of men kept her from achieving lasting success. While the book is well-written, portraying the bonds of friendship between Ella and Marilyn, as well as referring to their pasts, their romances, and families, it really feels like Marilyn’s story, and it’s ultimately a tragedy.

Knight explains in her author’s notes that “There is a lot of speculation about Marilyn Monroe’s final moments, and in fact, much of her life. Many stories, witnesses, and testimonies. Conspiracy theories abound. But the truth is, no one will ever know exactly what happened on that night. Was she murdered? Was it an overdose? Was it suicide? In our book, we decided to take the stance of an accidental overdose.” Knight says the purpose of the book was not to speculate on her death, but rather to honor what she did in life – and who she loved and admired.

The two authors say, “We put together a story we hope will honor the lives and legacies of two women who changed the face of entertainment and remain icons to this day.” If you like reading about Hollywood and the world of entertainment in the 1950s, about women’s friendships, and how women entertainers fought to gain independence in their careers, then this is the book for you.

CONTENT WARNING: drug use, addiction, talk of suicide, spousal abuse, death by drug overdose ( )

The special friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe is explored in this novel. Marilyn’s outgoing personality and Ella’s reserved one were a compliment to each other. These women shared a rough upbringing, bonded over social injustice and tried to help each other thru the issues of being in the public eye.

I totally fell down the rabbit hole reading more of this on my own. I knew nothing of this unique friendship and gained a whole new appreciation for these women and the hand they’ve been dealt. Ella, the quiet reserved one, kept things to herself, especially her private life, and tried to steer her friend away from her questionable life choices. Marilyn, the outgoing one, who loved life and hated what was happening to her friend and would use her celebrity to make it right, her dependency on painkillers, alcohol. They both craved love but finding it in the spotlight made it impossible. Loved how these two forged a friendship against all odds and tried to lift each other. I appreciated how the authors didn’t sugarcoat their shortcomings. For me, the story was slow moving in parts. Overall the writing was compelling, honest.

Thanks to William Morrow for this ARC. This is my honest opinion. ( )

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I knew very little about Marilyn Monroe’s background and private life, and even less about Ella Fitzgerald. I was fascinated to read about their mutually supportive friendship. I would recommend this to fans of historical and biographical fiction, especially those with an interest in the entertainment industry.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advance Reader’s e-proof courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers of ‘Can’t We Be Friends’ a novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight

The timeline culminates from 1952-1962. The memories they shared of lost mothers, evil stepfathers, orphanages, and early marriages gone bad. Meeting because of a song.

Marilyn Monroe grew up in the foster care system and as an adult actress, cynics and people judged her and categorized her. She must match the image that everyone wants. A sex goddess, desired by many. She holds onto a wealth of sadness (All About Eve). Marilyn wanted to be taken seriously and admired for her talent as an actress. No recent actress has had this much power over her career, owning and operating a production company, a pioneer for women in Hollywood. Inspired by her friend Ella who had control and say so over her career.

Ella was filled with guilt of a failing marriage, the time she doesn’t spend with her little boy, and her hectic recording and performance schedule, in which she forged her own path as a jazz artist, that swings, be-bops, and scats, Her voice becomes an instrument, and she rules the stage. Selling out every venue she appears in.

I love how the authors interjected quips in Marilyn’s thoughts, and responses, such as “Oh, boy, does that ever boil her goose,” or “…How about we quit moping and rattle on the dance floor.” Their mutual love of tasty food, bonding their friendship is endearing.

Is the real reason they hadn’t hired Ella to perform at a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard could have been because she had no sex appeal? They were fine with Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Eartha Kitt singing and dancing at the Mocambo Sunset Strip stage, wearing sleek, figure-hugging rhinestone-covered dresses with plunging necklines and breath-stealing cinched waists.

Both Ella and Marilyn had big dreams, and that’s what saved them. Ella, fighting bigotry, and racism. Marilyn, a one-woman strike with Fox and her own demands for higher pay and better scripts. They both had lost lovers, marriages and had pains that neither wanted to rehash. Marilyn struggled with addiction and mood disorders. A contrast between her stardom and troubled private life

Georgiana was my favorite character. I liked her frankness, stern demeanor, and loyalty. The author’s descriptions and mannerisms of Marilyn seem convincing, right down to her lipstick brands and color choices. This novel left me with a deep sense of sadness for both ladies, but more so for Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean). It hurt to read how Ella tried to resuscitate the friendship between her and Marilyn on many occasions, and under many circumstances, but was constantly pushed back.

Grammar or sentence structure was at times a distraction, and some of the scenes were contradictory (People Will Say Were in Love). At times the dialogue became confusing, and I didn’t know who was saying what. Understandably this is an ARC and there was a likely possibility. The epistolary aspect of the novel is ideal, but overall I respectfully appreciate the research of this novel since 2019 between Knight and Bruce, and discovering the connection between Ella and Marilyn. The authors note at the end of the novel explains many of the creative license they chose to incorporate facts and speculation. Such as speculation about Marilyn Monroe’s final moments before she died. I in fact, watched the movie The Misfits while reading this novel and could candidly see the framing of the cruel exposure of Arthur Millers’ view of Marilyn and their marriage. This novel made me more curious and interested in further exploration into both of these legendary and iconic woman’s life stories.

#NetGalley #Can’tWeBeFriends #Onnaday ( )

This was a touching account of the friendship between two remarkable women. By turns, it made me laugh and cry. I thought the ending was tastefully done, and I appreciated the authors' notes at the end about that and other decisions made. Though there were two authors, this had the feel of one fluid story, and both women came to life on the pages.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the early read. ( )